Americas News
DNV GL: LNG Bunker Adoption a Reality in U.S.
Rising bunker prices, environmental regulations, and growing production of natural gas are making the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkers a reality in the U.S., DNV GL says.
"It used to be said that LNG was a chicken or egg problem, but now it is looking as if we not only have the egg, but the chicken and the henhouse too," said Paal Johansen, the class society's maritime business head for the Americas.
"The US has tremendous natural gas resources, especially from unconventional sources, and production hit the highest levels on record in August 2013.
"As we see this trend grow, DNV GL is working to ensure that owners can be confident that not only the technology their vessels need has been vetted, but that the supporting infrastructure and operational practices are well established."
Matson is having two dual-fuel containerships built for service between Hawaii and the West Coast, while Crowley Maritime has contracted for two others to be used between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico.
"We are proud to have been chosen to support Matson and Crowley on these ground-breaking projects," Johansen said.
"Their vision in taking this step forward will not only enhance their own competitivity, but will prove valuable for the US shipping industry as a whole."
He added that the projects will allow shipyards to develop and showcase their ability to build vessels using LNG fuel and will encourage the creation of LNG bunkering infrastructure.
Wärtsilä Corp. said recently that the new Crowley vessels represent a tipping point in the adoption of LNG bunkers.
